Microscopy laboratory system

ABSTRACT

A microscopy laboratory system for efficient instruction is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of student microscopes each equipped with a camera for generating an image signal representing a student view image of at least a portion of the field of view of the student microscope, multiplexed control means connected by video cables or wireless technology to the cameras to provide a composite instruction image signal based on student view images from one or more selected microscopes, and a projection unit or other public display for presenting the instruction image to the students in the laboratory. An instructor microscope can also be coupled into the system, and a display image marker is preferably linked to the multiplexed control means for inserting instructor annotations into the displayed instruction image.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to instructional settingswherein participants view specimens through respective microscopes, andmore particularly to a microscopy laboratory system wherein aninstructor and students can view an overall instructional image thatselectively includes images from the field of view of one, some, or allof the microscopes in the laboratory.

Microscopy laboratories at universities, teaching hospitals, etc. areknown to include a television monitor or projection unit that receivesan image signal from a camera mounted on the instructor's microscope,such as by a C-mount, trinocular viewing body, video module, or thelike. In this way, each student in the laboratory can view an image thatserves as a model to help him or her position a like specimen on his orher own microscope and to adjust the specimen location, objective power,focus, illumination, filters and other parameters of the microscope inan effort to match the displayed image from the field of view of theinstructor's microscope. In this type of system, it is also known toprovide a marking device that allows the instructor to annotate thedisplayed image from his or her microscope. Absent this technology, aphotograph in a textbook is often used as a model. A drawback of thissystem is that the instructor cannot see what the students are viewingthrough their own microscopes. Often, the instructor must walk aroundthe laboratory and look through each student's microscope to make sureevery student in the laboratory is viewing a proper image, or theinstructor must walk over to a particular student's station whenever aquestion arises. Clearly, this type of system is inefficient because theinstructor must spend time checking the student microscopes rather thaninstructing the students. Another drawback is that the instructor has nomeans to annotate an image from a student's microscope to better provideconstructive criticism or positive reinforcement.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide animproved microscopy laboratory system that allows an instructor andstudents to simultaneously see images from the field of view of one,some, or all of the student microscopes as desired.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improvedmicroscopy laboratory system that allows an instructor to annotateimages from the field of view of the instructor's microscope and anystudent's microscope for instructional purposes.

These and other objects are achieved by a microscopy laboratory systemaccording to the present invention. The system comprises a plurality ofstudent microscopes each having a camera, for example a digital videocamera, coupled thereto for generating an image signal representing astudent view image of at least a portion of the field of view of thestudent microscope. The system also comprises multiplexed control meansconnected by video cables or wireless technology to the cameras toreceive the respective image signals, and a display means such as aprojection unit, one or more shared viewing monitors, or individualstudent viewing monitors connected to the multiplexed control means forpresenting an instruction image to the students in the laboratory. Themultiplexed control means enables an instructor to select a set of imagesignals that will make up the publicly displayed instruction image.Where more than one image signal is selected, the instruction image isdivided into smaller image windows corresponding to the selected imagesignals. The selected set of image signals can be a set of one imagesignal, a set of image signals corresponding to one of a plurality ofpredefined sub-groups of image signals, a sub-group of image signalschosen by the instructor, or a set of all the available image signals.

The microscopy laboratory system preferably comprises an instructormicroscope equipped with a camera that is also connected to supply animage signal to the multiplexed control means, whereby the instructionimage can include an instructor view image. A dedicated instructormonitor is preferably provided for presenting the instruction image tothe instructor. The system also preferably comprises a display imagemarker connected to the multiplexed control means for enabling theinstructor to annotate the instruction image seen by the students, and acomputer linked to the multiplexed control means for storage, retrieval,and enhancement of images.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now bemore fully described in the following detailed description of theinvention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a general schematic view of a microscopy laboratory systemformed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing connections between hardwarecomponents of the microscopy laboratory system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a user interface of a multiplexer control meansof the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is schematic diagram of a microscopy laboratory system formed inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention utilizing acommercially available multiplexer; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a microscopy laboratory system formedin accordance with another embodiment of the present invention utilizingwireless signal communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a microscopylaboratory system formed in accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent invention is generally identified by reference numeral 10.Microscopy laboratory system 10 comprises a plurality of studentmicroscopes 12A-12T each equipped with a video camera 14 for generatingan image signal representing a student view image of at least a portionof the field of view of the corresponding student microscope, and aninstructor microscope 16 likewise equipped with a camera 14 forgenerating an image signal representing an instructor view image of atleast a portion of the field of view of instructor microscope 16.Cameras 14 are preferably video cameras that are either retro-fitted toor integrated with the microscope through a C-mount, a trinocularviewing body attachment, or an integrated video module inserted betweenthe microscope stand and the binocular tube of the microscope. By way ofnon-limiting example, the Leica IC A and Leica ICC A video modulesavailable from Leica Microsystems Inc. are suitable for practicing thepresent invention with various specified microscope models availablefrom the same supplier.

Microscopy laboratory system 10 further comprises multiplexed controlmeans 20 connected to cameras 14 for receiving image signals as input,enabling an instructor to select a set of the received image signals fordisplay as output, and generating an instruction image signal based onthe selected set of image signals. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2,multiplexed control means 20 is a video multiplexer configured with acustom user interface 22, for example a user interface as shown in FIG.3, that allows the instructor to establish a suitable instruction image24 as will be described below. Multiplexed control means 20 could alsobe a digital image multiplexer, depending on the format of the imagesignals from cameras 14.

The instruction image signal from multiplexed control means 20 iscommunicated to a suitable public display device, such as a projectionunit 26 connected to the multiplexed control means, so that all studentscan simultaneously view instruction image 24. As an alternative toprojecting instruction image 24 for public viewing, it is of coursepossible to provide one or several shared viewing monitors, and it isalso possible to provide each student microscope station with its ownviewing means, such as a small video monitor or display unit (not shown)connected to receive output from multiplexed control means 20. Aninstructor monitor 28 is preferably provided in the vicinity of userinterface 22 for facilitating ergonomically agreeable viewing ofinstruction image 24 by the instructor.

User interface 22 shown in FIG. 3 generally comprises a bracketed buttonsystem that enables the instructor to compose a suitable instructionimage 24 by choosing a set of image signals corresponding to view imageswhich the instructor wishes to include in the instruction image.Selection of button 30 results in an instruction image 24 like thatillustrated in FIG. 1, in which the instruction image is divided into aplurality of smaller image windows 25 such that all of the student viewimages from student microscopes 12A-12T are presented in the instructionimage. Selection of button 32 yields an instruction image containingonly student view images from student microscopes 12A-12J, whileselection of button 34 yields an instruction image containing onlystudent view images from student microscopes 12K-12T. Instruction image24 can be restricted to further subgroups of student view images byselection of button 36 corresponding to student microscopes 12A-12E,button 38 corresponding to student microscopes 12F-12J, button 40corresponding to student microscopes 12K-12O, or button 42 correspondingto student microscopes 12P-12T. Instruction image 24 can also be limitedto a single student view image from a chosen student microscope bypressing any one of buttons 44. A MANUAL SELECT button 46 is preferablyprovided to allow the instructor to compose an instruction image thatdiffers from one of the predetermined subgroups associated with buttons32, 34, 36, 38, 40, and 42. With MANUAL SELECT button 46 depressed, theinstructor can then select more than one button 44 to choose the desiredstudent view images. The instructor may also present an instructionimage corresponding to the image signal from instructor microscope 16using INSTRUCTOR MICROSCOPE button 48. An image magnification functionis preferably provided and is accessed through MAGNIFY button 50. Ifdesired, identifying indicia 27 are superimposed in each image window 25to indicate the particular microscope associated with the image windowby pressing DISPLAY ID INFO button 52. User interface 22 is also shownas including a POWER button 54.

Microscopy laboratory system 10 further comprises a display image marker56 connected to the multiplexed control means 20 for enabling theinstructor to annotate instruction image 24, and a computer 80 havingmemory 82 also connected to the multiplexed control means for storinginstruction image 24 and/or student view images from microscopes 14and/or an instructor view image. Display image marker 56 can be a videomarking system that takes input from a digitizing tablet 58 andaccompanying pen 60, and/or from other input sources such as a keyboard,light pen, or touch screen, and superimposes markings on instructionimage 24. Display image marker 56 can be integrated with multiplexedcontrol means 20, as shown, or can be connected as a stand-alone portionof the system. As will be appreciated, display image marker 56 gives theinstructor considerable power to highlight important image features toall students, highlight problems with a particular student view image,and emphasize positive aspects a particular student view image. Computer80 can be used to store images to and retrieve images from memory 82,and to enhance images using available software.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein a microscopylaboratory system 110 is configured using an existing “off the shelf”video multiplexer 120. Video multiplexer 120 is a PANASONIC® WJ-FS216Digital Video Simplex Multiplexer having sixteen camera inputs forreceiving image signals from sixteen cameras 14, one camera beingcoupled with an instructor microscope and the remaining fifteen camerasbeing coupled with respective student microscopes. Buttons 122 onmultiplexer 120 allow the image signal from a particular camera to beselected when toggle 124 is switched to a “CAMERA SELECT” position.Certain of the buttons 122 have a dual function that is enabled whentoggle 124 is switched to a “MODE SELECT” position as shown in FIG. 4.More specifically, the buttons for the first through third cameras eachhave a second mode for providing a multi-window display of four, nine,and sixteen image windows, as indicated by icons 126, 128, and 130,respectively. A ZOOM button 132 for magnifying instruction image 24 isalso provided.

Microscopy laboratory system 110 also includes a commercially availabledisplay image marker 156. The POINTMAKER® PVI-44 Video Marker availablefrom Boeckeler Instruments, Inc. is suitable for practicing the presentinvention. Display image marker 156 is connected by standard video cableto receive an output image signal from multiplexer 120. A finalinstruction image signal, including any annotations added by way ofdisplay image marker 156, is supplied to projection unit 26 and to anoptional videocassette recorder 160 operatively associated withinstructor monitor 28. Consequently, it is possible to recordinstructional lessons and observed microscopic processes for future use.

The embodiments described above rely on video cables for transmittingimage signals between components. In situations where extensive cablingis impractical, unsafe, or otherwise undesirable, it is contemplated toprovide wireless connections enabling transmission of image signals fromcameras 14 to multiplexed control means 20, and from multiplexed controlmeans 20 to projection unit 26 or to individual or shared studentviewing monitors. FIG. 5 shows a microscopy laboratory system 210 thatis generally similar to systems 10 and 110 described above, howevercameras 14 are with transmitters 70 for transmitting the image signalsto a multi-channel receiver 72 connected to multiplexed control means20. In addition, a transmitter 74 is operatively connected tomultiplexed control means 20 and communicates with correspondingreceivers 76 and 78 linked to projection unit 26 and instructor monitor28, respectively. Receivers 72, 76 and 78 and transmitters 70 and 74 canbe analog wireless communication devices or digital wirelesscommunication devices, depending upon system requirements.

1. A microscopy laboratory system comprising: a plurality of studentmicroscopes; a plurality of cameras associated one with each of saidplurality of student microscopes for generating an image signalrepresenting a student view image of at least a portion of the field ofview of said student microscope; multiplexed control means connected tosaid plurality of cameras for receiving said image signals and enablingan instructor to select a set of said image signals for display, whereinsaid multiplexed control means generates an instruction image signalgenerated from said selected set of image signals; and display meansconnected to said multiplexed control means for receiving saidinstruction image signal and displaying an instruction image comprisingstudent view images corresponding to said selected set of image signals;and a display image marker means connected to said multiplexed controlmeans for enabling said instructor to annotate said instruction image.2. The microscopy laboratory system according to claim 1, furthercomprising an instructor microscope and a camera for generating an imagesignal representing an instructor view image of at least a portion ofthe field of view of said instructor microscope, wherein saidmultiplexed control means is connected to said camera associated withsaid instructor microscope to receive said image signal generatedthereby, whereby said instruction image optionally comprises saidinstructor view image.
 3. The microscopy laboratory system according toclaim 1, wherein said multiplexed control means allows said instructorto select all of said image signals from said cameras associated withsaid plurality of student microscopes as said selected set.
 4. Themicroscopy laboratory system according to claim 2, wherein saidmultiplexed control means allows said instructor to select all of saidimage signals from said cameras associated with said plurality ofstudent microscopes as said selected set.
 5. The microscopy laboratorysystem according to claim 1, wherein said multiplexed control meansallows said instructor to select said image signal from said cameraassociated with any one of said plurality of student microscopes as saidselected set.
 6. The microscopy laboratory system according to claim 2,wherein said multiplexed control means allows said instructor to selectsaid image signal from said camera associated with any one of saidplurality of student microscopes as said selected set.
 7. The microscopylaboratory system according to claim 1, wherein said multiplexed controlmeans allows said instructor to select said image signals from camerasof a predetermined sub-group of said plurality of student microscopes assaid selected set.
 8. The microscopy laboratory system according toclaim 2, wherein said multiplexed control means allows said instructorto select said image signals from cameras of a predetermined sub-groupof said plurality of student microscopes as said selected set.
 9. Themicroscopy laboratory system according to claim 7, wherein there is aplurality of different predetermined sub-groups of said studentmicroscopes.
 10. The microscopy laboratory system according to claim 8,wherein there is a plurality of different predetermined sub-groups ofsaid student microscopes.
 11. The microscopy laboratory system accordingto claim 2, wherein said multiplexed control means allows saidinstructor to select said image signal from said camera associated withsaid instructor microscope as said selected set.
 12. The microscopylaboratory system according to claim 1, further comprising a computerconnected to said multiplexed control means, said computer having amemory, whereby said instruction image and said student view images canbe stored in and retrieved from said memory.
 13. The microscopylaboratory system according to claim 2, further comprising a computerconnected to said multiplexed control means, said computer having amemory, whereby said instruction image, said student view images, andsaid instructor view image can be stored in and retrieved from saidmemory.
 14. The microscopy laboratory system according to claim 1,wherein said multiplexed control means comprises means for selectivelysuperimposing respective identification information on each said studentview image in said instruction image.
 15. The microscopy laboratorysystem according to claim 2, wherein said multiplexed control meanscomprises means for selectively superimposing respective identificationinformation on each said student view image in said instruction image.16. The microscopy laboratory system according to claim 1, wherein saidmultiplexed control means comprises means for magnifying saidinstruction image.
 17. The microscopy laboratory system according toclaim 2, wherein said multiplexed control means comprises means formagnifying said instruction image.
 18. The microscopy laboratory systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said connection between said multiplexedcontrol means and said plurality of cameras comprises a wirelessconnection.
 19. The microscopy laboratory system according to claim 1,wherein said connection between said display means and said multiplexedcontrol means comprises a wireless connection.